Illinois students should return to classrooms this fall
Illinois students should return to classrooms this fall
Gov. J.B. Pritzker should set the expectation that Illinois schools will welcome students back to campus full-time for the 2020-2021 school year.
By Amy Korte
Illinois has worst youth employment in Midwest, biggest drop amid COVID-19 pandemic
Illinois has worst youth employment in Midwest, biggest drop amid COVID-19 pandemic
With small businesses and seasonal attractions closed, most of Illinois’ youth find themselves spending a summer without a job. COVID-19 isn’t the only reason, however.
By Orphe Divounguy, Bryce Hill
Red-light camera vendor at heart of corruption probes gets PPP loan
Red-light camera vendor at heart of corruption probes gets PPP loan
SafeSpeed has been involved in a federal investigation that has resulted in corruption charges against multiple Illinois politicians.
Pritzker ‘fair tax’ would allow for double, triple taxation on same $1 earned
Pritzker ‘fair tax’ would allow for double, triple taxation on same $1 earned
The progressive tax amendment on the ballot Nov. 3 removes the constitutional prohibition on multiple taxation, in addition to removing the flat tax protection.
By Adam Schuster
Who in Illinois received PPP loans?
Who in Illinois received PPP loans?
27,412 loans for at least $150K were made in Illinois through the Payroll Protection Program. See who got what.
By Brad Weisenstein
Ramon Gladney: Got U Faded Barber Shop
Ramon Gladney: Got U Faded Barber Shop
"I try to build rapport and relationship with all my clients. They would see each other at the shop and now we sort of have a networking system shattered."
Pritzker spends $56.5M to push tax that would hit 100,000 small businesses
Pritzker spends $56.5M to push tax that would hit 100,000 small businesses
Pritzker has been pushing hard for a progressive income tax amendment as a way to generate $3.7 billion for state spending.
Pritzker signs tax law deeming some of Chicago’s most valuable property ‘blighted’
Pritzker signs tax law deeming some of Chicago’s most valuable property ‘blighted’
Chicago leaders have been unable to finish developing valuable land after 23 years and $331 million in taxes, but convinced state leaders more time and money were needed.
Illinois passed a record-breaking income tax hike 3 years ago. Here’s where the money went.
Illinois passed a record-breaking income tax hike 3 years ago. Here’s where the money went.
Income taxes rose 32% for individuals and 33% for corporations in 2017, raising Illinois’ total tax burden to at least sixth highest from 10th highest. More than $1.2 billion went to pensions and debt.
By Adam Schuster
Judge strikes down Pritzker’s COVID-19 orders, extended emergency powers
Judge strikes down Pritzker’s COVID-19 orders, extended emergency powers
Clay County Judge Michael McHaney said Pritzker’s emergency powers stemming from the COVID-19 outbreak lapsed on April 8, and any executive orders relating to COVID-19 finding their authority under those emergency powers are void.
By Joe Tabor
Pritzker signs bill lowering taxes on a Chicago casino
Pritzker signs bill lowering taxes on a Chicago casino
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers agree that when taxes are too high, not even a casino in the heart of Chicago can make money.
If Illinois passes progressive income tax, retirement tax comes next
If Illinois passes progressive income tax, retirement tax comes next
Passing the progressive tax would empower state lawmakers to go after seniors’ retirement income.
By Austin Berg
Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income
Every state with a progressive tax also taxes retirement income
Illinois could be the next state to tax retirement income if voters approve the progressive income tax in November.
As many as 21,700 restaurants could close permanently from COVID-19 economic fallout
As many as 21,700 restaurants could close permanently from COVID-19 economic fallout
The most optimistic forecast shows 20% of Illinois’ food service business closures will be permanent. But up to 85% of restaurants expect to close permanently.
By Bryce Hill